No one likes being sick, least of all your feline friend. One of the most common diseases cats can get is feline viral rhinotracheitis, which is one of the causes of ‘cat flu’. Feline viral rhinotracheitis is highly contagious for all breeds of cat, but luckily it can’t be spread to humans.
Vaccinations won’t stop your feline pal from contracting this virus, but they can make their signs milder and help them recover faster – just like the flu vaccine in people.
What is feline viral rhinotracheitis and how is it spread?
Feline viral rhinotracheitis is caused by the feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) and it targets the eyes and upper airways, resulting in mouth and eye ulcers, as well as fever and conjunctivitis. Although it is sometimes likened to the flu, Vetpartners Vet Manager Dr Deepa Gopinath says it’s more than just ‘cat flu’.
“Cats with this disease generally stop eating due to fever and discomfort, which can have secondary effects such as dehydration, weight loss and liver damage,” she explains. “This virus can also cause other signs such as inflammation to the lining of the respiratory tract and eyes.”
Feline viral rhinotracheitis spreads easily between cats through:
- Spit, nose or eye discharge from infected cats
- Contaminated food bowls, bedding and even human hands
- Coughing or sneezing droplets in the air
Maintaining high levels of hygiene is really important as the disease can survive in the environment for up to a week or more, but cats that are infected with feline viral rhinotracheitis can carry it for life. The virus remains dormant but can reappear if your cat becomes stressed. Even infected cats with no signs of the disease can still pass the virus on to unvaccinated cats.
“After initial infection, the virus usually persists in the cat in an inactive state, becoming active when the immune system is suppressed due to physical or psychological stress,” explains Dr Gopinath. “This stress could come from illness, injury or surgery, or triggers such as a new pet or person in the household, renovations, house move, boarding, grooming, etc.”
Feline viral rhinotracheitis is found throughout Australia, with kittens, unvaccinated cats, shelter cats and those from multi-cat homes or catteries are most at risk.
What are the signs of feline viral rhinotracheitis?
The signs of feline viral rhinotracheitis can range from sniffles to more serious infections. These include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal/eye discharge
- Conjunctivitis
- Fever
- Mouth or corneal ulcers
- Lack of appetite
Conjunctivitis and ulcers in the mouth or eye (ouch!) can be painful, so it’s important to get your cat checked by your vet. Ulcers in the eye can cause squinting, eye rubbing or your feline buddy might want to avoid bright light.
How is feline viral rhinotracheitis diagnosed?
If your vet suspects feline viral rhinotracheitis, they’ll start with a physical examination, and ask about vaccination history, recent stress and any exposure to unknown cats.
They may also do a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, which detects the virus using swabs from your cat’s eyes, nose or throat, as well as various eye tests if eye ulcers are suspected.
What is the treatment for feline viral rhinotracheitis?
While there is no cure for feline viral rhinotracheitis, supportive care can help your cat feel more comfortable while they recover. This could include giving fluids and nutritional support, pain relief, antivirals (such as famciclovir) and medication to prevent further infections.
“Antibiotics can be useful against secondary bacterial infections that ‘join the party’ once the viral infection has taken hold,” Dr Gopinath says. “Antiviral eye drops may be prescribed if eye ulcers develop.”
Giving your furry friend a safe, quiet and warm place to recover with lots of water and soft food can help recovery, too.
How to protect your cat from feline viral rhinotracheitis
Vaccination is the clear answer when it comes to protecting your cat from feline viral rhinotracheitis. The FHV-1 vaccine is part of the core vaccines given to kittens, with boosters recommended during adulthood. This vaccine can’t prevent infection entirely, but it can make signs milder in your feline buddy, says Dr Gopinath.
“FHV vaccination in cats reduces the chance of infection and severity of clinical signs if infection does occur, but it does not guarantee against disease,” she confirms. “It’s important to think of these vaccines like the human flu vaccines – if you are vaccinated, the disease is way less brutal if you do catch it.”
If your cat is diagnosed with feline viral rhinotracheitis, make sure it is isolated from any other cats in the house. Increasing your hygiene habits, reducing your furry friend’s stress levels, and considering keeping your cat indoors can help stem the spread.
When to see your vet
If you notice your cat has eye swelling, they develop thick nasal discharge or trouble breathing, or they seem tired and lacking in appetite and energy, it’s time to see your vet. If you have more than one cat at home, it’s a good idea to keep them separated until a vet has confirmed what’s wrong.
If you think your cat might be overdue for a booster, speak to your vet as soon as possible. Vaccinations and boosters are the best frontline protection against most diseases in the cat world.
